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(Vancouver B.C. / Coast Salish Territory. May 28th, 2013) Today, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) released the First Nations Heritage Planning Toolkit. This toolkit is intended to support First Nations in the development of heritage related capacity and provide information to First Nations on developing a heritage plan or policies, and assist First Nations in responding to development referrals associated with heritage.

"This toolkit will be invaluable to First Nations in BC facing the onslaught of referrals by proponents and it will assist First Nations in the development of their own plans and policies for the protection of their heritage resources," said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the UBCIC.

"From the Musqueam at Cesna?em, the Ktunaxa at Qat'muk and the recent destruction of petroglyphs in Snuneymuxw territory, it is apparent that this type of tool is necessary for communities, in order to strengthen our heritage protection policies. Ultimately, this toolkit will assist First Nations in becoming more proactive in the management and protection of their heritage sites and resources."

Dr. Judith Sayers, former Chief of Hupacasath First Nation and Co-chair of the Joint Working Group on First Nations Heritage Conservation and a member of the Advisory Committee for this project states, "A highly collaborative project, this free, flexible and peer-reviewed toolkit was called for by First Nations at the 2011 First Nations Heritage Forum. This toolkit was piloted with three partners that include First Nations communities and organizations." Dr. Sayers continued, "We are delighted to have this toolkit available to all First Nations. This toolkit provides important information and the tools necessary to navigate the BC Archaeology branch's system and also allows for First Nations to exercise their capacity by providing important policy and letter templates that are often required of First Nations in the management of their heritage resources."

Lana Lowe, Director of Lands and Resources for Fort Nelson First Nation, one of the partner communities that piloted this project added, "This toolkit has been immeasurably helpful for our First Nation in the development of our heritage policies. It played a role in building the knowledge and capacity within our organization. We are sure that this toolkit will continue to foster capacity at the community level and we are proud to have played an integral role in this collaborative project. "